AORA November 2022 Newsletter

On Thursday 10 November, AORA held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) followed by its Annual Members Meeting (AMM) at The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney. As part of the AGM proceedings, AORA released the 2021-22 Annual Report, and if you haven't had a chance to read it, you can do so via our website.

It was very pleasing to see strong attendance for both events from members and sponsors alike and I would suggest that this is reflective of the work that AORA is undertaking and the importance and interest that is being placed upon the Australian organics recycling industry more generally.

AORA reached out to the Hon. Tanya Plibersek, Minister for the Environment and Water and the Federal Member for Sydney to attend our AMM but unfortunately, Federal Parliament sitting week meant she was had to be apology. However, we were grateful that the Minister was able to provide a video address to our AMM instead, which strongly suggested that our industry and its vital role in contributing to improved environmental outcomes is certainly understood and I would also suggest, the Federal Government has an expectation that we will continue to deliver improvements in the overall rate of organics recycling in Australia. Minister Plibersek noted in her video presentation the goal of reaching 80% organics recycling by 2030. The video can be viewed further down in this newsletter.

As I also noted in my National Executive Officer address to our AMM, I see AORA needing to work harder on our advocacy efforts with governments at all levels. The work that AORA has put into our Vision 2031 roadmap document and the more recent update to our Economic Contribution of the Australian Organics Recycling Industry are impressive pieces of work and tell a compelling story on our industry and one that speaks in persuasive alignment with what governments are seeking. We are already achieving great outcomes as an industry, and we need to ensure that story is told and understood by government too and I am sure the AORA Board are supportive of this.

The recent AORA Board election results were announced at our AGM, and it was indicative of the strong commitment and work of Peter Wadewitz, Tim Richards and Greg Whitehead that resulted in them being returned to the Board for another term. We also welcome three new Directors in Patrick Soars, Jan Dubbelde and Catherine Phillips to the AORA Board.

With six positions to fill in 2022 and eight nominations, this was a strong result for the Association and representative as I noted earlier, of the keen interest to contribute to the work of the Association and drive positive outcomes for our industry.

2023 will be another busy year, I noted without hesitation in my National Executive Officer address to our AMM. AORA is investigating a new member database, updating our website, strengthening our balance sheet, attracting new members and sponsors, developing a new strategic plan, delivering our Annual Conference in Melbourne in June 2023 and continuing to improve our industry image and profile and that of AORA as the peak industry body.

John McKew

National Executive Officer

Australian Organics Recycling Association

Welcome to our new Board Members

Welcome to our new Board Members;

• Catherine Phillips, Cleanaway
• Jan Duebbelde, Remondis
• Patrick Soars, Australian Native Landscapes

They were recently elected, along with re-elected Directors;

• Peter Wadewitz OAM, Peats Soils and Garden Supplies
• Tim Richards, Richgro
• Greg Whitehead, Candy Soil.

These six Directors will complete a two year term.

They join existing Directors;

• - Steven Marshall, Veolia
• - Charlie Emery, SoilCo
• - Morne Hattingh, Tamworth Regional Council.   

Peter Wadewitz was renominated as Chair and Charlie Emery as Deputy Chair. We thank Tim Richards for his contribution as Deputy Chair for a number of years.  Michael Wood remains as Company Secretary and Rowan Williams in an advisory capacity to the Board.

Welcome to our new Members

Associate Members

• Sustainable Project Management (VIC)
• Zambelli Environmental (QLD)
• EC Focus (NSW)
• Cal Technologies (NSW)
• APrince Consulting (NSW)

National Associate Member

• Bactivate

Individual Members

• Arinze Ezieke (QLD)
• John Shaw (QLD)
• James Landau (NSW)

Processor Members

• Corbets (QLD)
• Better Grow (NSW)

National Processor Member

• Cleanaway

Komptech TERMINATOR, single-shaft waste shredder, is ready for anything!

AORA Partner News

The Terminator 6000, is a low-speed, high-torque single-shaft industrial shredder designed to process nearly all types of difficult waste, including heavy C&D debris, bulky waste, white goods, mattresses, tires, and municipal solid waste (MSW)

This track shredder has excellent mobility and can navigate the toughest train. The shredder can be optioned with an over-band magnet that can remove contaminants. The hydraulic drive provides the highest shredding power and prevents blockages with our reversing technology and overload protection.

For more information, read the full article.

Organics Recycling: the current challenges, solutions and opportunities - AORA Members Forum

The AORA Annual Members Forum, following the AGM, in early November was a most informative day! Working with the theme of Organics Recycling: the current challenges, solutions and opportunities, attendees were welcomed by Minister Plibersek via the video below.

Following this attendees were given a brief overview of the Economic Contribution of the Industry report from Nick Behrens, and urged to use this valuable information within their own businesses.

Dr Mick Battam, AgEnviro, dug deep into the topic of compost amended sporting fields providing options for synthetic turf and this session was jam packed with information, not only for end users, but points of sale information for processors.

Following an excellent lunch, Sean Galdermans give a great overview of CEA and their products and services.

Dr Matthew Askeland rounded out the afternoon with a intensive look at PFAS; beginning with the basics and moving through to the challenges PFAS presents and opportunities to address. Matthew session had a huge amount of information and there was good discussion over Q and A. The workshop session has now been locked in for December and attendees will receive information about this later today.

Bringing the forum to a close, Mike Ritchie facilitated a lively panel discussion on the topic “Will State Plastics Bans assist AORA's 10 Year Roadmap objective for quality inputs?”

This panel event, sponsored by Sphere Infrastructure, saw AORA members and stakeholders engage in a healthy and topical discussion about the importance for processors of having quality inputs  - as noted in AORA’s Vision 2031 Roadmap – Point 4: Quality In – Quality Out. 

It was insightful to hear the different viewpoints of our panel as to whether the state plastics bans will make a difference to organics recycling inputs. The importance of delivering community education and partnership between councils and processors to think of organics processing as a “manufacturing” business; the significance of designing plants to mitigate contamination; the role of regulation to support industry and help deliver clear community messaging; and the need for identifiable certified compostable standards were just the tip of the iceberg.

ecovio M2351 – certified soil biodegradable mulch film a sustainable alternative

AORA Partner News

ecovio^® M2351 is a certified soil biodegradable mulch film produced by BASF and is a sustainable alternative to non-recyclable conventional polyethylene mulch film.

ecovio^® M2351 was especially developed for mulch films used in agriculture and horticulture to increase the yield, speed up harvesting as well as to save water and herbicides.



The advantages of plastic mulch films in agriculture have been long established, however as thin non-recyclable polyethylene mulch films are rarely recovered and correctly recycled, a certified soil biodegradable alternative might be a good option from both an environmental and economic perspective.

Unlike polyethylene films, there are no microplastics or any residues left in the soil post use.

For More information on BASF’s range of certified compostable and soil biodegradable materials visit www.biopolymers.basf.com

Year End success for AORA Vic

On 23 November, AORA Vic staged its year-end Showcase Event at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, the second time this fantastic venue has hosted the event. There was no competition from the cricket – the weather made sure of that!

Keynote Speaker was Mr Tony Circelli, Head of Recycling Victoria, the newly established body that will implement the State of Victoria’s ten year policy and action plan for waste and recycling.

Mr Circelli recently moved from South Australia and his role there in EPA SA to take the reins at Recycling Victoria. He presented the master plan of how RV will develop, encourage and facilitate the management of waste in all sectors.

Moderated by John McKew, AORA NEO, the assembly also enjoyed presentations from national sponsors BASF (Rowan Williams) Premier Tech (Sam LiRosi) and CEA Komptech (Deon Cope).

Rounding out the presentations, Sage Hahn, Chair of AORA Vic summarised the branch’s activities in the past 12 months with particular acknowledgement of the interactions enjoyed with State agencies EPA Victoria, Dept of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and particularly with Sustainability Victoria.

A number of organisations operated Interaction Tables during the Event – Sustainability Victoria, CEA Komptech, Finlay Screening, CEMAC Technologies and Premier Tech – giving them the opportunity to present their latest initiatives to the industry representatives present.

As one would expect, a sincere burst of applause broke out when the day’s Bar Sponsors were acknowledged – Burdett’s Sand & Soils, ecoDynamics and CEMAC Technologies.

With close to 100 people in the room, there was real buzz about the place as colleagues, competitors and friends caught up with each other and as first-timers were made to feel welcome.

A most successful day, which means we are already thinking about 2023 – a big year, as Victoria is also hosting the AORA Annual Conference in June.

 Monday December 5 

5.30 - 8.30pm

Adelaide Zoo, Botanic Park, Adelaide

Join us at Australia’s second oldest zoo, the Adelaide Zoo, for a Gourmet BBQ and Drinks in the Immersion Longhouse & Fig Tree room for dinner.

In attendance on the evening will be special guest, Deputy Premier & Minister for Climate, Environment & Water, Susan Close MP.

We’ve organised a tiger feed during the evening for you to witness and will have a Caterpillar loader on display courtesy of CavPower.  

A casual but informative night to celebrate the end of year.

Job Opportunity: Sector Lead – Digital Agriculture and Recycled Organics

Unique career opportunity to play a key role in a dynamic company, integrating agricultural science with recycled organics to deliver positive economic, environmental and community outcomes. Combine your technical knowledge with your project management and team leadership skills to help develop new applications for recycled organics in restoring soil heath and improving crop productivity and quality. Verterra is a leader in ecological engineering theory and practice, with core strengths in vegetation, soil, water and integrated landscape management. Click here for the position description.

In partnership with Circular Australia, the NSW EPA has launched “Cool Compost”

The one-stop online information resource, showcasing remarkable and diverse composting success stories across sectors. There are many AORA members featured in the content which includes videos, podcasts, fact sheets and specifications showing the benefits of compost across five key markets – graziers, councils, landscapers, government agencies and vegetable growers.

Check it out here: https://circularag.com.au/compost/

Cool Compost is the culmination of the EPA’s Waste Less Recycle More Organics Market Development Program with $5.5 million invested across 38 projects to develop organic compost markets, products, industry skills and infrastructure as part of the NSW Government’s drive to develop a circular economy.

Soils: Where food begins is the theme for World Soil Day - 5 December 2022

World Soil Day aims to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems and human well-being by addressing the growing challenges in soil management, increasing soil awareness and encouraging societies to improve soil health. Soil nutrient loss is a major soil degradation process threatening nutrition. It is recognized as being among the most critical problems at a global level for food security and sustainability all around the globe. It is estimated that 2 billion people worldwide suffer from lack of micronutrients, known as hidden hunger because it is difficult to detect. The United Nations website has a suite of materials to help spread the message. Visit it here - https://www.fao.org/world-soil-day/campaign-materials/en/